In the sport of women’s soccer, Cedarville’s program really hasn’t had the proverbial target on its back until now. The Yellow Jackets became the fourth conference tournament champion in as many years last year with a trip to the national tournament at stake.
The varying results since 2012 really speaks volumes about the parody and how balanced the depth in the league really is.
In 2012, Trevecca Nazarene won the tournament title. In 2013, it was time for Davis & Elkins to step up to the top. In 2014, it was Ursuline’s turn. The postseason glory of 2015 belonged to Cedarville.
Will 2016 produce a different outcome or will the Yellow Jackets repeat? Even though recent history says no to consecutive conference tournament titles, Cedarville will be looking to buck the trend after being picked first in the preseason coaches poll this fall.
The Yellow Jackets celebrated 2015, clinching the conference’s first automatic bid to the national tournament. Even though the run in the bracket ended in the opening round, the experience will only add drive to return.
First-year head coach Jonathan Meade takes over for the retired John McGillivray and is one of a few new coaches making their G-MAC debut this fall.
Even though the cupboard is far from bare of talent, a large of percentage of the offensive production will need to be replaced. Cedarville will head into this season without five all-conference performers, including Grace Miorelli, who suffered a torn labrum in the offseason and will be out for the fall.
That means the Yellow Jackets will be without their top three point scorers and that includes the G-MAC’s career leader in points, Jacoby Ziegler, current Trevecca Nazarene graduate assistant coach Kaitlyn Stiles and Miorelli. Add in defensive forces Carly Gregory and Kaleigh Rowlands as two of the graduated seniors and the program has some big shoes to fill.
Sophomore forward Alyssa Maillefer will make a big leap in year two. Senior goalkeeper Hanna Harris played over 1,800 minutes and was credited with all 11 wins along with a stingy 0.60 goals against average. She also pitched eight shutouts and will be looked upon for leadership. Another sophomore, Lyndsey Smith, made her mark during the track and field seasons as a national qualifier in the distance medley relay.
A total of 10 freshmen are in camp this fall. With only one junior and six seniors, the Yellow Jackets will be relying on some underclassmen for contributions early in their careers.
Head Coach: Jonathan Meade (1st season)
2015 Record (Overall): 13-5-4
2015 Record (Conference): 7-3-4
2015 All-Conference Performers: Jacoby Ziegler (First Team), Kaitlyn Stiles (Second Team), Grace Miorelli (Second Team), Carly Gregory (Second Team), Kaleigh Rowlands (Second Team), Alyssa Maillefer (All-Freshman Team)
Quotable: “It starts with everyone coming in with the right mindset. We’re going to come out and we’re going to work hard. I’m teaching them some new things. Everybody putting in the work ethic and being open minded to trying new things and staying committed to those things. We want to be running full steam ahead come October. We’ve got a title to defend and it would be nice to be known as a team that defends titles.”
- Cedarville Head Coach Jonathan Meade
Records Watch: Jacoby Ziegler graduated as the G-MAC’s career leader in points with 139 (Ursuline’s Vanessa Consiglio had 138) and goals with 59…She also finished fourth in career assists with 21…Grace Miorelli is ranked third all-time in point with 86 and second in assists with 24…She is also fourth in goals scored with 31…Carly Gregory has played in the most game out of any G-MAC player with 82…Goalkeeper Hanna Harris is first in career wins with 35 as she looks to hold off Ursuline’s Helen Jazzar in that category (she has 34)…Harris’ 24 career shutouts are also an all-time G-MAC record.